Epiglottitis

Definition

Epiglottitis is severe swelling of the epiglottis. The epiglottis is a flap-like tissue located in the throat. During swallowing, the epiglottis folds over the windpipe and vocal chords to prevent food and liquids from entering the lungs. Swelling can quickly seal off the airway and make breathing difficult.

Epiglottitis is rare and requires immediate medical attention. If you think you, your child, or someone you know has epiglottitis, go to the emergency room right away.

When you arrive at the hospital, the doctor will first make sure you are able to breathe. After this is known, you will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. If you are not having trouble breathing, a mirror may be used to look down your throat.

The doctor will first stabilize your airway and then give proper medication depending on the cause. You may also have other illnesses that need to be treated depending on the cause of the epiglottitis such as blood infections.

If you
CAN
breathe, you will be closely monitored in the intensive care unit.

If you
CANNOT
breathe, the options include:

Endotracheal intubation—A breathing tube is inserted through the nose or mouth and fed into the airway. This can only be done if the airway is not swollen shut. It should be done by an experienced physician.

Tracheotomy
—A breathing tube is inserted directly into the airway. This is done if the airway is swollen shut or if the airway is too swollen to do an endotracheal intubation.

After the airway is stabilized, you will be monitored and started on IV antibiotics. Antibiotics help kill the organism causing the infection and swelling. At first, a variety of antibiotics may be given if the identity of the germ is not yet known. After the laboratory test results are known, a specific antibiotic can be given.

After swelling decreases, the breathing tube can be removed. Usually, there are not any lasting side effects of epiglottitis, and the outlook is good.

Vaccination with the Hib vaccine is the only way to prevent epiglottitis. Currently, infants born in the US are given one of these vaccines at two months of age. Since vaccination began, adults have been at even lower risk of developing epiglottitis. If you have a weak immune system or are on medications that may make you more prone to illness, speak with your doctor about getting vaccinated.

An preventive antibiotic may be prescribed for:

Household members and others who have spent time in the previous five out of seven days with an affected individual

All daycare staff who have spent time in the previous five out of seven days with an affected individual

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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